Top 10 Waterfalls In Costa Rica

01 June 2018

Costa Rica is not just synonymous with incredible surfing, beautiful beaches, and enchanting culture. Away from the populates tourist areas and into the wilderness, you can find the rich and beautiful nature of the forest and the national parks. Whereby if you take the time to walk and scramble, you will find some pretty sensational waterfalls at the heart.

With summer approaching and with sky scanner flight search notifications switched permanently ON, we delve into the world of adventure planning! An adventure is our specialty over here at Thrillism HQ, so together we investigate a little about Costa Rica and the amazing waterfalls you can find when exploring this stunning land.

1. Catarata del Toro

Catarata del Toro Credit: catarata-del-toro.com

Details: Cascading down from an old volcanic crater, Catarata Del Toro flows undisturbed for nearly 92 meters. Boasting nature that will excite your senses, beauty in its purest form. The waterfalls are easily accessible through the towns of either Sarchí, Zarcero, Rio Cuatro and Venecia. The access offers scenic views and the reward at the end it worth the walk.

2. La Paz Waterfall

La Paz Waterfall waterfallgardens.com

Details: Situated on Costa Rica's most visited private nature reserve. surrounded by unencumbered rainforest and ver 100 species of animals. La [az is not just one waterfall but rather one of many within this reserve that provides a real feast for the senses. Colour, scents, from the flora and fauna as well as a chance to see the native ecosystem of Costa Rica, up close and personal!

Where? La Paz Waterfall, 126, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica

Opening Hours & Prices: Tourists 44USD and Children are 28USD Open Daily.

3. Montezuma Waterfall

Montezuma Waterfalls tripadvisor.com

Details: Montezuma, unlike the waterfalls above, offers something a little different as you can experience a mesmerising array of aquatic and amphibious life that will capture your imagination, from Roseate Spoonbills (Kind of like Flamingos), River Otters, Blue Crayfish, and Jesus Christ lizards. The hiking possibilities around the waterfall and the river are worth the trip from simply that. Plus, if you love adrenaline soaked dives, there are plenty of spots to test your nerve.

Where: Montezuma Falls, Paquera, Costa Rica

Opening Time & Prices: Free, Always.

4. Rio Celeste Waterfall

Rio Celeste Waterfall entercostarica.com

Details: "Located inside Tenorio Volcano National Park, legend has it that Rio Celeste got its distinctive color after God finished painting the sky and dipped his paintbrush in the river. The river is born at a place called Los Teñideros, where two streams merge, causing a chemical reaction that is visible to visitors as the water changes from clear to an intense shade of blue."- entercostarica.com. With a declaration like this, its no wonder why Rio Celeste has been beaconing travelers from far and wide to experience the inspiring beauty of the water. However, being deep in the heart of the rainforest, it takes a while to get there, so get your hiking boots on and gear up for an adventure.

Opening Times & Prices: Parking is 1000 colones. The Tenorio Volcano National Park entrance fee for adults is 12USD, 5USD for children (ages 2-12). The park is open every day from 8 AM to 4 PM.

5. Llanos De Cortez

Llanos De Cortez Tripadvisor.com

Details: Llanos De Cortes is a great place to relax, unwind and spend time in nature. Many tourists and locals alike flock to Llanos to enjoy the lovely beach, take a picnic and kickback. The waterfall is an absolute must visit for those who love to swim and scramble. The rocks are very slippy so water shoes or sandals are a must bring. Simply an oasis in the rainforest.

6. La Fortuna Waterfall

La Fortuna Waterfall solotraveller.com

Details: Cascading a whopping 75 meters into an iridescent blue pool, La Fortuna waterfall paints a perfect postcard of the Costa Rican jungle. Situated 6 km outside La Fortuna at the base of the Cerro Chato volcano, conjuring up imaginings of an incredible landscape and dense rich forest decorating the base of the volcano, the waterfall makes for a wonderful hike.

Opening times & prices: The Fortuna waterfall entrance fee is $15 for adults, $5 for children. Open daily from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

7. Uvita Waterfall

Uvita Waterfall bondhisurfschool.com

Details: A place to nurture your inner child! This waterfall unlike many others in the list has a natural water slide which must be experienced to be believed. The perfect place for a good old frolick in the water, with a sense of reckless abandon. PLus its easily accessible, no hike needed and often much less crowded than others in the area.

Where: Catarata Uvita, Calle Bejuco, Puntarenas Province, Uvita.

Opening times & prices:1000 colones or 2USD, cash only- Pay in the restaurant. From the parking lot, there is a very short trail down to the waterfall that takes only 5 minutes.

8. Los Chorros

Los Chorros Waterfall costaricastarnews.com

Details: Los Chorros Waterfalls are very impressive. Located between Chilamate and Tacares, southeast of Grecia. Sitting in the Los Chorros Municipal Recreation Park (Parque Recreativo Municipal Los Chorros). Los Chorros Translates as “the Jets,” getting its name from the small but strong streams of water pouring from the hillside. The powder of the water is awesome and you are greeted gratefully by a soft mist of water as you apprach. Well worth the trip!

9. Nauyaca Waterfall

Nauyaca Waterfall Tripadvisor.com

Details: Set upon two levels, the Nauyaca Waterfall is rather impressive and unique in its geology. The top waterfall drops 61 meters into the first pool, which then overflows over the second waterfall into the bottom pool cascading over a unique rock formation. As the water forcefully makes its way down the levels, it provides not only an unmissable photo op but an unforgettable place to swim and relax set deep into the rainforest.

Where: Nauyaca Waterfalls, 243, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica

Opening times & prices: 8USD per person for entrance, the waterfalls are located on the private property of a Costa Rican family, the "Don Lulo's".

10. Viento Fresco Waterfall

Viento Fresco original source unknown pinterest.com

Details: Easily accessible from the parking area, simply a few steps down and you will arrive at the first waterfall int he area Serena River Waterfall. Dropping at 31 meters, less gargantuan others in the list but still bathed in natural beauty and charm, the water also crashed down into a lovely pool. Viento fresco, in fact, translates to “cool wind” which you will notice when spending time here. The breeze coming across the mountains is a welcome refreshment.

Where: Carretera a Reserva de Monteverde, Provincia de Puntarenas, Monteverde

Opening times & prices: Off the main road (Route 145), there are signs for the office/restaurant and the falls. Pay the admission fee of 15USD then you will be given a map to the continue on the trail to the falls.

Buried deep in the rainforest, you have numerous opportunities to explore and discover Costa Rica away from the crowds, this is what makes visiting the waterfalls that dot the volcanic basins, so special. We are launching more adventures in Costa Rica and beyond so make sure you check our website and #FindYourAdventure.